The Sieveking Sound Male-XLR End Caps are a useful accessory for all unused analogue inputs of HiFi components in XLR format. Read more.
The Sieveking Sound Male-XLR blanking caps are a useful accessory for all unused analog inputs on XLR-format hi-fi components. The caps are made of copper and are gold-coated using a vacuum deposition process. They feature an additional Teflon inlay inside. This unique combination allows for exceptional high-frequency absorption.
The RCA blanking caps are placed over the unused inputs and outputs of HiFi components and perform three important functions.
They protect the unused connection from corrosion, which is especially beneficial in older devices without gold-plated contacts.
They prevent dust from entering the unused cinch connections, which would limit the conductivity of the contact surface during future use.
They prevent the penetration of high-frequency radiation into the device, because the open connections no longer protrude from the housing's Faraday cage like antennas, but are now closed. This effectively shields the electromagnetic radiation, which would otherwise be conducted directly into the device via the positive contact of the RCA connector, and dissipates it to the housing's ground.
While functions 1 and 2 primarily affect the device's long-term durability, function 3 is also audible. The reduced intrusion of RF signals results in a lower noise floor. The music sounds clearer, and surprisingly, the listener often feels as if the music signal has suddenly become quieter. This is a psychoacoustic illusion, as we initially associate the reduction in noise floor with a lower volume.
The before-and-after effect becomes particularly clear when one listens with the earplugs on for several days and then removes them: The sound image suddenly seems undefined and less present.
The extent of the soundstage improvement depends heavily on the components used. Tube-based equipment and hi-fi systems connected to high-efficiency speakers respond more clearly than transistor amplifiers with high feedback connected to high-current-hungry speakers. Regardless of the magnitude of the effect on your musical enjoyment, Sieveking Sound Caps are a valuable addition to your system and an investment in long-lasting listening pleasure with your high-quality components.
